The trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, over the alleged fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project continued on Monday at the Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja. A third prosecution witness revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has indicated his readiness to testify against Agunloye if required.

Agunloye faces an amended seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of official corruption and the irregular award of the Mambilla Power Project contract.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN), prosecution witness Umar Hussein Babangida stated that Obasanjo had formally communicated his willingness to appear before any court or arbitration panel regarding the Mambilla project. Babangida cited a letter dated November 27, 2023, from Obasanjo to the Attorney-General of the Federation, in which the former president expressed his readiness to testify “in any court or forum when the need arises or should it be considered necessary in the national interest.”

The witness also referenced an earlier letter dated April 7, 2003, in which Agunloye had recommended Sunrise Power and Transmission Company for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station. Babangida told the court that Obasanjo had raised no objection to the proposal but instructed Agunloye to submit the memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for comparison with a Coal Fire Thermal Project capable of generating 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts.

When asked if Obasanjo had any personal issues with Agunloye, Babangida said he could not recall such claims. He clarified that his testimony was based solely on responses provided by the former president during an official questionnaire.

“During our interrogation with President Obasanjo, he confirmed awareness of the contract but stated there was no approval. This was clearly documented during the FEC meeting,” Babangida said. He added that no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company during Obasanjo’s tenure, with neither presidential approval nor FEC endorsement. Babangida further noted that Obasanjo was unaware of the contract award letter dated May 27, 2003.